Eric Menendez and his brother, Lyle Menendezknown for the widely publicized 1993 trial of his parents’ murder. The brothers shot and killed their mother, Mary, and their father, José, who claimed to have been emotionally and sexually abused by their parents as a child. In addition, the Menendez brothers said they feared for their lives when surrounded by their parents at home. Although both were convicted in 1996, both Erik and Lyle got married while behind bars.
Who Is Erik Menendez’s Wife?
Erik is married to his wife, Tammy Saccomansince 1999.
Did Erik Get Married in Prison?
Although he was convicted in 1996 of two counts of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder, Erik met Tammi while she was in prison. The duo started their relationship through letters. Finally, they got married in 1999.
Tammi published a book about her and Erik’s marriage. The title She Said It Wouldn’t Be: My Life With Erik MenendezTammi opened up about how they have kept their relationship alive despite the life sentence. She also appeared in a 2005 interview on MSNBC, admitting that she “never expected” to fall in love with Erik.
“You know, I wrote him a letter and he wrote me back, and I visited him in prison and our relationship developed,” Tammi said. “And I didn’t want to have a relationship with Erik, but something happened. And you know, it’s a great relationship I have with him.
When asked how she and Erik managed the strict visitation rules in the prison system, Tammi noted that it was “very difficult”. Additionally, Tammi pointed out that before she and Erik got married, the New Jersey native had claimed she had a boyfriend.
During the interview, Tammi recalled thinking that it was “sad” that Erik thought he had a relationship with anyone while in prison.
“Actually, he – in one of the letters he wrote to me, he wrote and said he had a boyfriend for years. And I said, ‘It’s so sad that he has a girl – he thinks he has a girlfriend,'” Tammi said , before adding, “So, I understand where the public view is coming from (about our relationship). But I’m asking for Erik’s emotional support.
When asked if Erik’s murder conviction bothers her, Tammi notes that “it’s (her own) question”.
“Everybody asks me. You know, ‘Is he crazy? Is he angry?'” Tammi admitted, showing how the public perceives him. “It bothers me, but I know Erik, and I know his heart, I know his soul , and I know what happened last night. And I understand. I believe that in every person in a certain situation, you will be able to kill someone. I believe that Erik is a very good person.
On October 24, 2024, Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón recommended that the Menendez brothers be sentenced, and immediately released if approved by the judge, who will make the final decision. An insider told TMZ Once the Menendez brothers are released, Erik plans to move to Las Vegas to live with his wife, Tammy.
Is Lyle Menendez Married?
As for Erik’s brother, Lyle, (real name: Joseph Lyle), he married twice in prison. He married his first wife, Anna Erikssonin 1996, and they divorced in 2001. Two years later, Lyle married his wife, Rebecca Sneedin 2003.
If you or someone you know has been sexually abused, call National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). Trained staff members will provide confidential, non-judgmental support, as well as local resources to help with healing, recovery and more.